Detention structure of modular equipment



April 4, 1967 N. A. FAERBER 3,312,019

DETENTION STRUCTURE OF MODULAR EQUIPMENT Filed Nov. 14, 1963 3Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. I. FIG. 2.

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29 INVENTOR Nelson A. Faerbe r BY W 65 650M ATTORNEY r April 4, 1967 N.A. FAERBER DETENTION STRUCTURE OF MODULAR EQUIPMENT 5 Sheets-Sheet 2Filed Nov.

INVENTOR Nelson A Fae rber ATTORNEY April 4, 1967 N. A. FAERBERDETENTION STRUCTURE OF MODULAR EQUIPMENT 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 14,1963 FIG. 14.

INVENTOR Nelson A, Foerber FIG. I3.

BY W

ATTORNEY United States Patent Ofifice 3,3 l2,@ 1 9 Patented Apr. 4, 19673,312,019 DETENTION STRUCTURE OF MODULAR EQUIPMENT Nelson A. Faerber,586 9th St. S., Naples, Fla. 33940 Filed Nov. 14, 1963, Ser. No. 323,69812 Claims. (Cl. 52-106) This invention relates to building constructionand has particular applicability to detention buildings such as jails,prisons, cell blocks, penitentiaries, asylums, and similar buildingstructures wherein the detention of prisoners or inmates is required.

A primary object of this invention resides in the provision of 'a methodof and modular equipment for the construction of such detentionbuildings, to effect a material saving in time, labor, material and costin the construction of such buildings.

As conductive to a clearer understanding of this invention, it may herebe pointed out that the facilities for the detention of prisoners fromcell blocks to penitentiaries have hitherto been designed on anindividual basis and in a custom manner by the architect, regardless ofthe size of the installation. This has, consequently, requiredindividual engineering and fabrication by the equipment manufacturer,and in accordance with this method, the variation of the size of anindividual cell by a fraction of an inch has necessitated the entirere-engineering, redrafting and resubrnission for custom fabrication.

Furthermore, such a procedure has required costly hours of engineeringduplication in the fabrication department, where new engineeringdrawings must be constantly developed and wherein a particular sectionof material is seldom duplicated from one project to the next. It is anobject of this invention to produce a minimum of component elements ormodules which may be standardized and premanufactu-red, with thedetention facility being designed particularly for the employment ofsuch standardized components. Reduced to its simplest terms, the systemwould require partitions, both of plate and grating, cell front sectionsfor sliding doors, pre-perforated sections for the introduction ofplumbing and lighting or heating equipment, plus specialized sectionsfor sound or monitoring systems as might be desired.

The invention contemplates the architectural preparation of an entiredetention building comprised of such standardized components ormultiples thereof so that facilities may be duplicated in a wide varietyof sizes and arrangements but employing the same standardized components.

It is an object, therefore, of this invention to overcome all of theforegoing difiiculties, and others, all as will be more fully pointedout hereinafter.

A more specific object of the invention resides in the provision of animproved means for interconnecting the components or modules, togetherwith an improved method of applying and locking such connections so asto render their disassembly by unauthorized individuals virtuallyimpossible.

Still other objects of the invention reside in the steps of the method,the details of construction, the arrange ment of parts, and thecombinations of elements, all as will be more fully pointed outhereinafter and disclosed in the accompanying drawings, wherein thereare schematically illustrated component parts and steps of assembly inaccordance with one form of the instant inventive concept.

In the drawings:

FIGURES 1 to 6 illustrate representative elements or modules employed inthe construction of detention buildings in accordance with the instant.invention, being re- FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a solid partitionhaving a door opening therein;

FIG. 4 is a standardized grating partition having a door opening thereinshowing a door in closed position in the opening.

FIG. '5 is a standardized door of solid material having a lock openinglocated equidistantly from top and bottom;

FIG. 6 is a similar standardized grating door;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary diagrammatic floor plan of a detention structurecomposed of the modules of the instant invention;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective detail view showing a method ofconnecting parallel aligned partitions;

FIG. 9 is a similar view showing a means for connecting alignedpartitions and a transverse partition;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view showing a pair ofpartitions connected in accordance with FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a similar view showing a pair of partitions and aright-angularly disposed partition connected in accordance with theshowing of FIG. 9;;

FIG. 12A is a side view, partially in section and partially inelevation, showing an initial method of assembly in the connection ofadjacent panels;

FIG. 12B discloses a further step in the assembly;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one of the connecting studs, and;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIGS. 10 and 11 disclosing a means forconnecting two partitions in right angled relation.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings.

Construction of the detention building in accordance with the instantinvention requires the prefabrication of a plurality of interchangeablestandardized components. FIG. 1 disclosed one such standardizedcomponent in the form of a solid partition or panel 26' which isprovided about its sides and, if desired, its top, with a plurality ofidentical equidistantly spaced equal sized bores or openings 21. Thepartition or panel 20 is made in a standard size, preferably theconventional height of a prison structure, eight feet two inches, and in.a readily divisable standard size, in the illustrative invention sixfeet. In the modular system of construction of the instant invention theunit of measurement is preferably three feet, and the partitions orpanels may be made in half sizes or less or more in accordance with theparticular requirements, although a standard size six feet in length anda half size of three feet in length have been found to be adequate forthe large majority of installations. In FIG. 2 there is shown anidentical partition Ztla provided with similar identically spacedopenings 21a, and additionally provided with pre-spaced openings 22 forthe introduction of piping for plumbing fixtures interiorly of the cell.Obviously the openings 22 may be preformed at any desired location forany desired particular installation.

In FIG. 3 a front wall structure 23 is disclosed provided with openingsor bores 24 which are identically spaced and sized with those of thepreceding forms, but which is additionally provided with a door opening25.

FIG. 4 shows a similar construction in an identical size but formed ofbars as indicated at 26, openings 27 being provided in the side portionsthereof identically spaced and sized with the openings 21 and 24. Sinceall of the panels are of identical size in the above described forms,they may be readily interchangeable or employed in any desiredcombinations.

FIGS. and 6 show standard doors, in FIG. 5 there eing shown a solid door28 having a central rectangu- 11 opening 29 therein for theinterposition of a lock iructure, either directly or remotelycontrolled, while IG. 8 shows a grill door 36 having a similaropening 1. By virtue of the central position of the openings 9 and 31,the doors may be used interchangeably to pen to the right or left asdesired, with either end theref at the top.

The doors are also of standard size, preferably apiroximately two feetsix inches, so that any door panel v3, either solid or grilled may takeeither a solid or grilled loor as desired.

In designing the detention structures in accordance vith the instantmethod, the architectural plan may be aid out on a modular grid havingcomponents of three eet each. A fragmentary installation is indicated inFIG. 7. In this installation, for example, there is shown I. cell 35which is comprised of two partitions 20 of solid :onfiguration and twohalf partitions 36 making the overll]. length of the cell nine feet. Apartition 20a and a talf partition 36 form the rear of the cell, thepartition :0a with its openings 22 permitting the installation of oiletfacilities 37. The front of the cell may consist of 2. panel 23 providedwith a door 2-8, and an additional 1alf panel 36. The panels areinterconnected in a manier to be more fully described hereinafter. Thespace H) adjacent cell 35 may be a shower room, and the shower tself maybe comprised of one half panel 36 forming a rear wall, with additionalhalf panels 36 forming the side zvalls. A special panel 41 may comprisethe front wall, :his panel being of the same dimensions as the halfpanels, but having an opening 42 therein to permit access :0 the shower,the drain of which is indicated at 43. Adiitional cells 35a and 35b maybe constructed on opposhe sides of cell 35 and shower enclosure 40respectively, or other rooms dimensioned in multiples of three feet maybe similarly laid out. In the event that an odd-shaped panel or anodd-sized panel is required to complete an installation, a single panelof the specific desired dimension may be readily manufactured, but suchpanels, according to the method of the instant invention, comprise theonly custom-made structural units or molecules necessary. A greatvariety of standardized panels may be manufactured and retained instock, and interchangeably supplied in the requisite numbers forassembly at the site of the detention structure.

Any desired method may be employed in securing the panels in assembledrelation, but in the preferred embodiment of the invention the securingmeans for holding the several components in related assembly take theform of rectangular tubes 50 and 51, the rectangular tubes 50 adaptedfor connecting a pair of partitions or plates in end-to-end relationbeing provided with aligned pairs of spaced keyhole slots, 53, thespacing of the slots oeing identical to that of the openings or bores21, 21a, 24 and 27. Corner fastening tubes 51 are also provided and areprovided with keyhole slots 54 on two right angularly disposed facesthereof, as best shown in FIG. 14. The additional fastening componentcomprises a plurality of studs 60 as shown in FIG. 13, each of whichincludes a circular central boss 61 from which extend reduced shanks 62terminating at each end in enlarged heads 63. The central boss 61 isdimensioned to seat in any of the openings 21, 24 or 27, while the heads63 are dimensioned to pass through the large portions of the keyholeslots 53 or 54. The shanks 62 are dimensioned to pass through thereduced portions of the keyhole slots, but the heads 63 are larger thanthese reduced portions.

Integral with or secured to the bottoms of rectangular hollow members 50and 51 are plates 56 and 57 respectively which are provided withprojecting flanges 58 and 59 respectively on the sides opposite thepairs of keyhole slots, or one set of keyhole slots in the, members 51.When it is desired to assemble two partitions, as shown in FIGS. 8 and10 for example, the partitions are aligned edge-to-edge in abuttingrelation and studs 66 are inserted in adjacent openings 21. Oppositemembers 5% are then positioned over the studs, with the heads 63extending through the enlarged portions of the keyhole slots, the largerportions, it being noted, being positioned at the top of the slots.

After the initial assembly has been completed and aligned, wedges 65 aredriven between the flanges 58 and the structural floor, until the entireunit 50 is raised so that the stems 62 extend through the reducedportions of the slots 53, securely locking the partitions 26 in relatedassembly, the arrangement being that shown in FIG. 12B. A cement toppingor other finish flooring 66 is then laid over the flanges 58 and theirassociated wedges 65 firmly securing the members 50 in raised positionand securely locking the studs 60 in each of the adjacent partitions 20as well as each of the adjacent keyhole slots 53 in the members 50. Thusa secure and substantially tamper-proof assembly is provided, which canbe disassembled only by tearing up the floor, re-. moving the wedges,and lowering the members 50 to disengage the associated studs.

When it is desired to connect two partitions 20 in right angled relationto a third partition 20a for example, one of members 50 is employed inconjunction with two of members 51 positioned on opposite sides ofpartition 20a as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 for example. The method ofassembly is identical to that of the previously described modificationincluding the use of wedges under the associated plates, and the raisingof the members, and the subsequent covering of the wedges and theirassociated flanges with a cement or other suitable flooring.

FIG. 14 discloses a method of connecting two partitions 20 at rightangles, employing at least one of the tubular members 51 and associatedstuds 66. When this method is employed it will be understood that theexposed heads 63 of the studs will be positioned in a lo calityinaccessible to the prisoner, and suitably covered and locked in anydesired manner. For example an additional tube or tubes 51 may beutilized as shown on. the outer side of one plate 24) to the left inFIG. 14, or, alternatively, one or more fiat plates or channel irons 67may be employed as shown at the top of FIG. 14. Such plates may be usedwherever access to one side of a partition is restricted, and are lockedby the use of base flanges and wedges similar to the previouslydescribed flanges 56 and wedges 65. Suitable permanent flooring protectsthese latter wedges against removal.

As shown in FIG. 7, the use of the tubular members 50 and 51 may 'beemployed in connecting the front panels 23 and 36 to the cells aspreviously assembled.- However, it is frequently desirable in theseinstances that these forward partitions be secured by welding, in orderto accommodate any minor discrepancies in alignment or spacings of theopenings such as might be occasioned by warping of the plates.

Obviously any desired floor plan, arrangement of modules or components,suitable interconnection in angular relation or in aligned relation asdesired may be provided.

By virtue of the method of the instant invention duplication ofengineering drawings and construction drawings may be avoided, thenecessity for custom designing each individual penal installation isobviated, and a relatively wide range of sizes and designs may bereadily fabricated from a comparative minimum of components or modules.

The cost of building penal institutions or the like, as well as the timeand labor required therefor, can be reduced to an absolute minimum, witha resultant material saving in all areas.

From the foregoing it will now be seen that there is herein provided animproved method of and material.

for the construction of detention buildings such as jails, cell blocksand penal or confinement institutions of all sorts which accomplishesall of the objects of this invention, and others, including manyadvantages of great practical utility and commercial importance.

As many embodiments may be made of this inventive concept, and as manymodifications may be made in the embodiments hereinbefore shown anddescribed, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to beinterpreted merely as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. Modular equipment for formulating detention structures comprised of amultiplicity of interchangeable modules of identical sizes or multiplesthereof but of varying characteristics, each provided with a pluralityof identically spaced openings about its perimeter, interchangeableconnector elements selectively inserted in said openings for connectingadjacent modules, means supporting adjacent connector elements adjacentsaid modules, means for vertically shifting the position of saidsupporting means, means precluding access to said means for shifting andlocking said supporting means in position, and means locking saidmodules against vertical movement.

2. The structure of claim 1 wherein the connector elements comprisestuds having a central portion of a diameter to fit snugly within aselected opening, a reduced shank on each side of said central portion,and an enlarged head at the end of each shank, each head being of adiameter substantially equal to that of the central portion.

3. The structure of claim 2 wherein the supporting means compriserectangular hollow tubular members of a height substantially equal tothe height of the modules having keyhole slots therein with their largerportions equal in diameter with the openings in the modules and alignedtherewith and with their reduced portions depending.

4, The structure of claim 3 wherein a pair of said slots are positionedon one side of a hollow member and spaced apart a distance equal totwice the distance of said openings in said modules from the edgesthereof to connect adjacent modules in aligned relation.

5. The structure of claim 3 wherein a keyhole slot is positioned on eachof two right angularly disposed sides of a hollow member and spaced fromthe intersection of said two sides a distance equal to the distance ofan open ing in a module from the adjacent edge of the module to connectadjacent modules in right angular relation.

6. The structure of claim 3 wherein said shifting means include Wedgeswhich are provided and driven beneath each hollow tubular member to liftthe same to engage the shanks of each associated connector element withits adjacent reduced portion of a keyhole slot.

7. The structure of claim 6 wherein said access precluding meansincludes a permanent flooring laid over the wedges precluding removalthereof and consequent lowering of the tubular members to release theconnecting members.

8. The structure of claim 1 wherein adjacent modules are connected inlongitudinal alignment.

9. The structure of claim 1 wherein. adjacent modules are connected inright angular relation.

10. The structure of claim 1 wherein adjacent modules are connected inlongitudinal alignment and right angular relation.

11. The structure of claim 1 wherein said modules include solid panels,grill panels, solid and grill panels with door openings, solid panelswith added openings for plumbing and Wiring, and windowed panels.

12. The structure of claim 11 wherein said door panels are provided withseparate doors having lock openings therein, said lock openings beingpositioned intermediately between the top and bottom of the door, withthe top and bottom being of identical construction, whereby said doorsmay be mounted for opening in either direction.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,924,414 8/ 1933Ring 52745 2,863,532 12/1958 French 287189.36 2,970,677 2/1961 Springset al. 52-483 3,134,200 5/1964 Moss 52-745 FOREIGN PATENTS 570,854 9/1958 Belgium.

FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner. RICHARD W. COOKE, 111., Examiner. R.S. VERMUT, Assistant Examiner.

1. MODULAR EQUIPMENT FOR FORMULATING DETENTION STRUCTURES COMPRISED OF A MULTIPLICITY OF INTERCHANGEABLE MODULES OF IDENTICAL SIZES OR MULTIPLES THEREOF BUT OF VARYING CHARACTERISTICS, EACH PROVIDED WITH A PLURALITY OF IDENTICALLY SPACED OPENINGS ABOUT ITS PERIMETER, INTERCHANGEABLE CONNECTOR ELEMENTS SELECTIVELY INSERTED IN SAID OPENINGS FOR CONNECTING ADJACENT MODULES, MEANS SUPPORTING ADJACENT CONNECTOR ELEMENTS ADJACENT SAID MODULES, MEANS FOR VERTICALLY SHIFTING THE POSITION OF SAID SUPPORTING MEANS, MEANS PRECLUDING ACCESS TO SAID MEANS FOR SHIFTING AND LOCKING SAID SUPPORTING MEANS IN POSITION, AND MEANS LOCKING SAID MODULES AGAINST VERTICAL MOVEMENT. 